Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has shared the story behind the creation of the Kwahu Business Forum, revealing that the now-prominent gathering began as a simple idea during a campaign journey.
Speaking at Mpraeso Hills on April 4, 2026, Mahama explained that the concept was born in 2023 while he was traveling with his longtime associate and current Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah. The two were riding in the back of a Toyota Land Cruiser during the campaign when they began discussing how to better harness the economic potential of the Kwahu Easter festivities.
Their conversation centered on transforming the annual celebration—widely regarded as Ghana’s largest homecoming event—into more than just a social and entertainment occasion. They envisioned adding a strong business component that would tap into the entrepreneurial energy of the Kwahu people and create opportunities for investment and growth.
That vision materialized in 2024 with the launch of the first forum. At the time, Mahama and his team were in opposition, and he acknowledged the risks taken by early participants who attended despite concerns about potential political repercussions.
Since then, the Kwahu Business Forum has grown significantly in scale and influence. The 2026 edition has developed into a major three-day summit, attracting more than 1,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. The theme for this year’s event focuses on the future of business and the role of the financial sector in driving economic development.
Looking ahead, Mahama announced plans to further expand the forum’s impact by developing a permanent convention and exhibition center at the site. Additional infrastructure, including an airstrip, is also being considered to improve accessibility for both international and domestic participants.
The event featured contributions from key figures in Ghana’s economic landscape, including the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Pandit Asiama, who addressed issues related to economic stability and private sector growth.
Source: Omanghana
